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€^ Iver&iy pres&Tbt ?ny OyppliedtioTh for the 
c^Tdnd 0^riz6 of one hundred thousand francs, or sicoTi/ 
other prize or prizes^ ds yoto Tnay oondder 
me entifled to^ of those oorbstitutin(/ the 
S^istifbet ^rder of Mewdrd. ^^ instUuted in 
favor of ^ersoTbs^ ^stad)lisk7nerbts^ or Jfoecili^ 
ties^ wAieh, iy d Speeidl ^r^dnization, or 
Speeidl afnsiittotions^ hdve developed d spirit 
of Jidr7no7^y dTroon^ dU t/vose eo=operdti?i^ 
in tJve sdTne worJo^ dnd^ hdve provid^ed for 
the ^dteridl^ SMordl^ dndy afntelleetudl 
well=iei7i^ of the ^ffor^mdnJ^ 

CHARLES K. LANDIS. 

March loth, 1867. 



(^O^JCuJju^ 



TO THE INTERNATIONAL JURY 



OF THE 



P^RIS EXPOSITIOISJ". 



Gentlemen :— In presenting a statement of my enterprise 
whilst I claim all the benefit to the industrial population and 
welfare of humanity, to which it is entitled, I prefer leaving 
the subject more to what can be seen from the actual results 
produced, and the evidence of others than to anything. I will 
say for myself, I prefer to confine my own remarks to the bare 
elucidation of the principles upon which my enterprise is 
founded and carried out. 

In the year 1861, I commenced purchasing land, and by 
1865 had succeeded in purchasing about 28,000 acres, or 
about forty-five square miles of land. 

I commenced operations in the way of public improve- 
ments, — the opening of roads, and the bringing of colonists 
in November, 1861. At that time the country was a dense 
wilderness of forest trees and thick under-growth, but with 
a clay and sandy loam soil, well adapted to the cultivation of 
fruits and the cereals. Within the wide bounds of my pur- 
chase, I do not think that there was living more than a half- 
dozen families. You could wander in any direction for days 
without meeting a human creature, and a silence reigned of 
that peculiar kind of which the ear is only sensible in a dense 
wilderness. 

In founding the colony, which I have called " Vineland," 
T carefully considered the principh^s of general policv, which 



would most increase the material prosperity, and moral welfare 
of the colonists, which would also insure a dense population, 
and produce from that population the greatest amount of 
industry and the highest order of intellectual improvement. 
Therefore, to do this, I paid the strictest attention to details 
in laying out the ^jlans of the tract of land ; making provision 
to secure its improvement and introducing the best systems 
of agriculture and horticulture ; also to the development of 
the manufacturing and mercantile interests of the place and 
the moral good of the people, by organizing societies of learning 
of the best educational institutions, and the adoption of a new 
temperance reform, sustained by public opinion. 

PRINCIPLES OF VINELAND. 

I. — That the country should bo laid out with a reference 
to practical convenience and economy or profit. 

II. — That the place should be laid out with a reference to 
the beautiful, I, therefore, adopted my shade-tree system, 
provided for the grassing of the road-sides, and the setting 
the houses back, sufficiently far, to afford room for flowers 
and shrubbery. 

III. — To promote the physical prosperity and mental 
improvement and happiness of the people in the highest 
degree, by the development of industry, the enforcing of 
temperance, the formation of societies for the entertainment 
and improvement of the mind. 

It was necessary to insure the prosperity of the colonists, 
as in the first years of the colony it would be composed of 
people of small means or entirely dependent upon their labor. 

In order to insure mental improvement, it was necessary 
to adopt a system which would insure a population sufficiently 
dense to enable them to form various societies for mutual 
improvement, and also by reason of mutual improvement to 
appreciate the value of their property, as well as to form 
sufficient population to organize churches, schools and other 



societies. In order to obtain population sufficiently numerous 
to the square mile, I selected a market, climate and soil, the 
best calculated for the raising of fruit and those products 
most demanded in the markets of New York and Philadelphia* 
I introduced the best and most approved system of agriculture 
and horticulture. The laws in regard to fencing I had changed, 
and the necessity of fencing was done away with. 

The country was laid out upon a general system of small 
farms, with parks or squares, provided for public recreation. 
The manufacturing and commercial interests of the place were 
also provided for; with this view a village plot was laid out 
in the centre of the tract, of about one mile square. 

IV. — The lands and town lots were sold to actual colonists 
only. The strictest provisions were made to exclude the 
speculator, that curse of new colonies in America. No land 
was sold to any one for mere investment, but certain improve- 
ments had to be made within a given time or the property 
reverted back into my hands, to be sold again to seme one 
who would colonize upon it. Up to January first, 1867, the 
money was refunded upon land that was not improved within 
the time specified ; to that time more than $57,000 was 
refunded. This was not legally required, excepting in a few 
cases under special agreement, but was dene in order to ] re- 
vent distress. 

The improvement system was adopted to insure the con- 
tinued growth and prosperity of the colony, to promote 
industry, to discourage unthrifty people from purchasing, and 
to appreciate the value of property in tlie hands of the actual 
colonist. 

In case an actual settler was imprudent in his disburse- 
ments, by reason of this appreciation, he could always sell his 
property, or a part of it, after his improvements were made. 
There was then some person with capital always ready to 
take his place, and he, profiting by experience, could purchase 
another place on the outside margin of improvement and have 
more capital, with which to make his improvements. 



G 

In order to carry out the above designs, agricultural, 
horticultural, literary and musical societies were formed, 
also church societies and schools of which statements will be 
appended. 

The citizens were stimulated to exertion by various pre- 
miums for merit which were offered them. The full par- 
ticulars of which will be found in the statements annexed and 
evidence offered. 

The leading features of the colony may be presented, as 

follows : 

MATERIAL ELEMENTS. 

1. The general plan of laying out the land and by which 
peculiar facilities were afforded to poor and industrious people 
to obtain land for homesteads. To accomplish this, it was 
laid out in five, ten and twenty acre lots at a small price, 
payable in one, two, three and four years. 

2. The requirements that the houses in the town plot be 
set back from the road-side at least twenty feet, and on the 
ffirm lots at least seventy-five feet, in order to afford room 
for flowers and shrubbery. 

3. Eequiring all colonists to plant shade trees upon the 
road-side and to grass the road-sides. 

4. Rec[uiring colonists to build and settle upon their lands 
within one vear, and selling no land to other than actual 
colonists. 

5. The introduction of fruit growing and the general 
improvement of agriculture and horticulture. 

G. The introduction of American manufactures. 

7. The making of ]'oads and other improvements at my 
individual expense. 

MORAL ELEMENTS. 

1. The introduction of good and convenient schools. 

2. The formation of agricultural and horticultural societies. 



3. The formation of church societies, for the encourage- 
ment of morality and religion. 

4. The formation of literary societies and libraries. 

5. The introduction of a new temperance reform, which, in 
its practical operation, appears to do away with all the evils 
of intemperance. 

By the advice of many friends, but with much hesitation, 
I am encouragad to claim that this is the first colony, where 
the above principles of general policy have been adopted and 
successfully carried out by the efforts of a single individual 
founder of any colony in modern times, independent of State 
power, and that it has done enough for the general welfare 
of industrious people to entitle it to the moderate considera- 
tion of the Honorable Jury. 

I also beg leave to state that all information concerning my 
peculiar views or the principles upon which I founded the 
colony of Vineland, which appear in the annexed statement, 
and the reasons for the same were furnished by myself. 
I prefer that the confirmation should come in the form pre- 
sented in the annexed statement, as it is embarrassing to any 
one to speak too much of himself. 

Most respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

CHAS. K. LANDIS. 



Vineland, March (jth, 1867. 



TO THE INTERNATIONAL JURY 



OF TUE 



PARIS EXPOSITION 



Gentlemen : — Mr. Charles K. Landis, who is the rcs})Octed 
Founder of the Colony of Vineland, and one of our most 
esteemed fellow-citizens, havino; announced himself to vou as 
a competitor for one or more of the prizes designated in his 
Memorial, to which this paper is appended, it affords us 
great pleasure, in accordance with his request, to present 
for your consideration the following Statem.ent of what we 
know in regard to his plans, the difficulties overcome, and his 
success. 

We are all now, and have been almost frum its commence- 
ment, citizens of this Colony or acquainted with its progress. 
From an early period in its history, many circumstances have 
conspired to render us familiar ^vith theplans of its Founder. 
We have watched its development always ^vitli interest, and 
sometimes with anxiety, lest tli«' fate so commonly attending 
schemes of colonization, originating in private enterprise, 
might overtake this movement, and leave us all a prey to 
disappointment and hlighted ho[>es. Owv fears have not been 
realized, but our most sanguine hoijes have been fulfilled. 



10 

In our opinion, the claim of Mr. Landis to the favorable 
regard to the Jury, rests upon three distinct considerations. 

I. — The Objects which he aimed to accomplish, especially 
in the material and moral welfare of industrious 
people. 
11. — The Obstacles which had to be overcome. 
III. — The Results which have been attained in successfully 
accomplishing the objects. 

We desire, Gentlemen, to present our statement of facts in 
the order above proposed. 

I. — The Objects which he proposed to accomplish. 

1. — The first and leading object was, to promote the material 
and moral welfare of industrious people of small meayis by 
adopting such a policy in the affairs of the Colony as would 
enable such persons to obtain independent homes, and to 
educate their children. 

This end it was believed could be attained by selling the 
land at a moderate price, and on a long credit, and by se- 
curing to the purchaser the full benefit of the rise in the 
value of real estate caused by the increase of population ; 
for, should he be unfortunate, or miscalculate either his 
means or his expenses, so as to be unable to pay for the pro- 
perty first purchased, he could easily sell it, as improved 
property, at such an advance in price as would enable him 
to begin anew, with increased means, and an almost certain 
prospect of success. 

In consequence of the very stringent stipulations, by which 
each colonist bound himself to improve his land, to which we 
refer more at length below, there was a moral certainty that 
every piece of improved land would be worth, and would 
actually bring in the market, much more than it had cost. 
As a consequence, we could mention many cases which have 
come within our ow]i knowledge, in which improved ])roperty 
has been sold at prices ranging from one to ten times its 
entire cost. 



11 

2. — To brills; a lar2;e tract of wild land under a liis;li state 
of cultivation, to cliano-e a wilderness .to fields and ffardens, 
aljoundins; in food for man and beast. 

3. — To lay out tlie land in tlie new Colony on a plan not 
only consistent with order and good taste, but which should 
render the whole, wdien developed, a model of rural beauty. 
This design is best illustrated by a description of the plan 
actually adopted in the laying out of Vineland. A railroad runs 
through the Colony from north to south, on each side of which 
is a street one hundred feet wide. Parallel with this, at con- 
venient distances, and also at right angles to these, are other 
streets or roads from fifty to one hundred feet in width. A 
village about one mile square, with streets from sixty-six to 
one hundred feet wide, is located on each side of the railroad, 
near the centre of the Colony. A Public Park, containing 
forty acres, principally covered with dense forest, is located 
north of the village and cast of the railroad, wdiile smaller 
parks and public squares are scattered here and there. 
Shade-trees are required to be planted at suitable distances 
along the streets and roads, two row^s being required on each 
side of the wuder streets or avenues. The fronts of all build- 
ings are required to be set, in the village, at least twenty 
feet, and in the country at least seventy-five feet from the 
sides of the streets, while the road-sides are invariably to be 
seeded to grass, and kept in that condition perpetually by 
the proprietors of the adjacent lands. Such is a brief sum- 
mary of those "lines of beauty" which it was proposed to 
trace upon the virgin soil of Vineland. 

4. — To provide in the new Colony against that common 
curse of new countries, particularly in America, f^^ccidaiion 
in wild lands. No land should be sold to any person who 
would not come under legal obligations to improve the same, 
by cultivation of at least a portion of the land, and erecting 
a dwelling-house thereon, within a specified time from the 
date of purchase. On all farms sold, at least two-and-a-half 
acres must be put under cultivation within one year. Bonds 
should also be given for the planting of shade-trees, and the 



12 

grassing of the road-sides witliiii a time specified for eacli. 
No deed should l>e given for any property till all the 
improvements above recited had Lcen made by the pur- 
chaser ; or if a deed should be given, bonds should be taken 
lor the making of these improvements. If the purchaser 
failed to make the improvements according to his Bond of 
Agreement, the land should revert to Mr. Landis, to be re- 
sold to another person, under tho same or similar improve- 
ment stipulations. 

However, though Mi'. Landi.s has forfeited many contracts 
in consequence of the non-fulfilment of imjirovement stipula- 
tions, still he has always discriminated in favor of those who, 
from sickness or other unforseen accidents, may have failed 
to meet their en^acrements. In such cases he has been in 
the habit of refunding, not only the money paid on the con- 
tract, but in addition, the full value of whatever improve- 
ments had been made. In the year I860 he refunded in this 
way more than thirty two thousand dollars, and in the year 
1866 more than twenty-five thousand dollars. 

Such were the means by wdrich it was proposed to protect 
the- colonists against the chilling influence of speculation 
without improvement, and at the same time io enable them, 
hy mutual industry, to appreciate the value of each other s 
property. 

5. — To relieve the colonists from the burdensome require- 
ment of fencino; their lands, and to encouraG;e the soilins; of 
cattle. This would recj^uire, wherever the Colony might be 
located, special legislation, inasmuch as there w^ere at that 
time, no localities in the United States, so far as is known to 
us, where domestic animals were not allowed to run at large, 
and pasture on the public highways. 

6. — To protect the colonists from the baneful effects result- 
ing fi'om the traffic of intoxicating liquors. This, too, would 
require special legislation, in order io prevent an evil which 
it has been found almost impossible to eradicate when once 
established. To this end, it was proposed to introduce a 
practical prohibition of this traffic into the organic law of the 
new Colonv. 



13 

7. — To secure to the colonists the benefit of schools and 
other social institutions of the highest order. 

By introducing fruit-culture mainly, and thus practically 
confining each colonist to a comparatively small piece of land, 
and securing a dense population, this result, it was hoped, 
might he obtained. 

8. — To promote the health of the colonists not only by 
regular gymnastic exercises, but b}^ encouraging persons of 
former sedentary habits, to work and live more in the open 
air. It was noticed that in most localities in the United 
States, public opinion would not tolerate women, and especi- 
ally ladies of education and refinement, in any kind of out- 
door labor. Consequently American women are l;»ecoming 
physically inferior to those of other countries. 

It was hoped that in this colony, a public opinion might 
be created, that would be less exacting and more reasonable 
in this respect. Hence the culture of fruits and flowers, was 
to be recommended to ladies, as especially adapted to their 
physical wants and capacities. 

9. — To promote the material and moral welfare of the 
colonists, by enlarging their knowledge of the kindred sciences 
of Agriculture and Horticulture. To this end, societies were 
to be organized, in different parts of the colony, that should 
meet at stated times for the exhibition of agricultural and 
horticultural jn'oductions, for the mutual interchange of views 
on suitable questions, and for rendering mutual assistance in 
procuring the best and purest seeds, and the most profitable 
fertilizers. Premiums were also to be offered for the best 
productions of various kinds, with a view to stimulate a gen- 
erous rivalry. 

10. — Religious Institutions for the special amelioration of 
the moral condition of the colonists, were to be founded and 
encouraged. No preference was to be given to any particu- 
lar denomination of Christians, in the sale of lands, nor were 
any of good moral character, to he excluded or frowned upon, 



14 

because of anvtliino; distasteful in their relio;ious views or 
practices. The Proprietor would donate lots to any religious 
society, tliat would agree to erect a church thereon. Sunday 
schools and kindred institutions should be encouraged, and 
in short all reasonable facilities should be afforded to the good 
of every creed, to exert their highest moral intluenee for the 
elevation of those who mia;ht be, in a moral sense, their in- 
feriors, 

11. — To introduce Manufactures, suitable to the tastes and 
circumstances of the colonists. This was not to be the first 
thing attempted. Farms and gardens were to be opened up 
and improved, as an end more important, and, at the same 
time, more difficult to accomplish. Afterwards, manuf\\c- 
tures were to be established, in order to furnish a home mar- 
ket for fruits and farm products, as well as to accommodate 
those mechanics and artisans, who might be attracted to the 
colony by the beauty of the country, the salubriousness of 
the climate, the proximity to good markets, and tlie excel- 
lence of the schools, and other social institutions. 

We are assured by Mr. Landis, that he has still other, and 
if possible, higher aims in view. But as there has not been 
time, even for the partial development of these further plans, 
we forbear, mentioning them for the present. 

We beg leave to state that the above statement of princi- 
ples and reasons for the same, have been received direct from 
Mr. Landis', and that we have experienced the results of 
their natural operations in our every day life in VineLmd. 

To keep out of the place, the sale of malt, vinous and al- 
coholic drinks was decided upon by Mr. Landis as an economic 
as well as benevolent measure. The reasons assigned at 
different times by him may be mentioned as follows :— 

Temperance is more peculiarly necessary in a new colony 
than any other place. 

Colonists leaving old associations and friends are less sub- 
ject to restraints, and not having the resources of old friend- 



15 

ships and amusements, the temptation to indulge amongst 
new acquaintances formed would be very great. When a 
new introduction would take place, it would be followed by a 
drink of fiery alcohol. When a small bargain was made at 
the store or market it would be followed by a drink. It is 
believed that three times the amount of liquor would be 
drank, than in an old place, to the ruin of health and re- 
sources. This is the general experience in new colonies. 
The colonist who would come with a ver}^ small sum of money 
and a family of children would find his money soon gone and 
his health impaired, whereas if he had remained temperate 
the benefit of his means and his industry would have been 
applied to his land, affording him a living and an indepen- 
dence. 

In America where ffroo-o-eries exist, the voung men make 
them a place of resort, to find acquaintances and amusements, 
thereby ruining their health, their morals and understand- 
ings, and unfitting them for society — yet their superabund- 
ant vitality must find an outlet in some direction. In order 
to supply this want. Musical, Literary, Gymnastic, Elocution- 
ary and Dramatic Societies have been organized. These 
societies to a great extent are sustained by the youth of both 
sexes, and the superabundant vitality which in one case if 
perverted would send them to destruction, is directed and 
made to serve as an active energy in their mental and phy- 
sical improvement. 

The effect of this is a remarkable feature in Vineland. 
Entertainments improving to the mind are constantly going 
on, and are followed as amusements, and this affords a fea- 
ture which is a striking contrast to other places of equal size, 
but filled with groggeries, and where such entertainments 
Avould not be attractive. 

II. — The Obstacles which had to be overcome 

1. — The selection of a suitable location. It must be in a 
healthy region ; it must be in a mild climate; the land must 
be cheap ; it must bo convenient to good markets; it must 



16 

be signally adapted to the growth of fruits, esj^ecially small 
fruits, sucli as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, grapes 
and dwarf pears. To find sucli a location was no easy task. 
The great Mississippi Valley was thoroughly canvassed. 
Some locations were found to be good for fruit, but the 
climate was found to be unhealthv, or the markets inconve- 
niently distant. Others were fruitful and well situated, but 
the prices of land were beyond the reach of any but the 
wealthy class. Finally, the Tract now called Vineland, in 
Southern New Jersey, was selected, as possessing in the high- 
est degree, a happy combination of the most desirable and 
necessary points. 

2. — The location once fixed, it was necessary to turn the 
tide of emigration in that direction. Vineland was indeed 
situated upon a railroad ; but that railroad was in no sense 
a thoroughfare. Crowds of emigrants of various nation- 
alities, thronged all the thoroughfares leading Westward 
from the Atlantic cities ; but scarce any one, American or 
foreigner, thought of migrating to Southern New Jersey. 
Had the new colony been located in Illinois or Minnesota, 
nothing would have been needed, but simply to arrest the 
emigrant wave, while sweeping past the desired point. But 
no such wave was sweeping over Vineland. There the social 
waters were still, even to stagnation, and it seemed as if it 
would recpiire an angel's effort to trouble them. 

3. — Prejudices of the strongest kind had to be removed. 
True, every one admitted that the climate of Vineland was 
both healthful and agreeable. Its proximity to tlie best 
markets in America could not be denied; it was only thirty- 
four miles from Philadelphia, and one hundred and twenty- 
five from New York. But the soil — what of that! Ask 
Ptumor, and she will tell you that Southern New Jersey is 
nothing but a heap of drifting white sand. Are there not 
good farms in some localities — in Salem, Cumberland, Atlan- 
tic and Cape May Counties ? '•' Oh, yes," says Rumor, " but 
these localities are completely isolated — nothing but oases in 



17 

the midst of a barren desert." Ask the native Jerseyman, 
living in the vicinity of VineUmd, and he will tell you, that 
these Vineland lands are iz:ood for nothinu; but to raise cord- 
wood, to supply the furnaces of the Glass-works ; that they 
will never })ay, by cultivation, for the expense of clearing 
them. When it became publicly known that Mr. Landis 
was about to found a colony in New Jersey, there were not 
wanting those who conceived it to bo their duty to write let- 
ters to the leading Agricultural journals of the Northern 
States, warning the people against throwing away their time 
and money in visiting Vineland and purchasing lands there. 
The consequence was, that when any one spoke of going to 
Vineland, the common remark was : " What ! o-oim;- to Wna- 
land ! Goino; to settle on a Jersev sand-bank ! Be careful, 
or you will wake up some morning and find your house 
buried in a sand drift I" Those misrepresentations were the 
more injurious, in that they were made by persons who were 
supposed to know all altout the matter, and who had a good 
reputation for honesty. 

In regard to the quality uf the Vineland soil, the fact is, 
that it is by no means too sandy to be productive, but on the 
contrary, contains an abundance of alumini, and is highly 
fertile. The roads in their natural state, are generally hard 
and good, which is never the case where the land is xqyx 
sandy. Why then did the rumor as to its sandy character 
ever gain circulation or receive credence? Simply because 
there are in Southern New Jersey tracts of sandy land, which 
are o;enerallv known, and with which this extensive tract has 
been confounded. By persistent efforts in disabusing the jml)- 
lic mind, this prejudice against Vineland soil has been in a 
great measure removed, but much time and labor were 
required to compass this result. 

4. — The absence of all those natural features, which con- 
stitute elements of success in new countries, was in a nega- 
tive sense, an obstacle of no small magnitude. Vineland has 
absolutely nothing besides its climate, its soil, and its prox- 
3 



18 

imity to good markets, to recommend it to the colonist or tlie 
capitalist. It has neither water-poioer, nor coal, nor iron, 
nor vast stores of timber for lumbering jmrposes, nor even a 
faint suspicion of petroleum. Even the deposit of marl, 
which render other portions of New Jersey rich, are not 
known to exist in Vineland. In short, there are here no 
special facilities or appliances for money-making ; and what- 
ever material prosperity this colony enjoys above other por- 
tions of Southern New Jersey, is due to the wisdom and crea- 
tive energy of its Founder, seconded l)y the industry and good 
conduct of the colonists. "We are even destitute of what so 
many of the towns of this Peninsula enjoy, namely, commu- 
nication by water with Philadelphia and New York. All our 
surplus produce must go to market by the railroad, and we 
have not even a competing line of road to keep down the prices 
of transportation. This lack will undoubtedly be remedied 
in time, but it has thus far been a serious annoyance, 

5. — The constant efforts of speculators to evade the improve- 
ment stipulations, formed a serious obstacle. No matter how 
firmly bound to make certain improvements within a speci- 
fied time, the speculator would endeavor, by coaxing, by 
making excuses, by asking for extensions of time, or even by 
threats of litigation, to hold the land from year to year, with- 
out improvement, knowing that he could then sell it at a 
great advance. Had the importunities of such men been 
heeded, a large proportion of the new colony would have been 
at this moment unimproved, which is now under a high state 
of cultivation. On several occasions, within the last three 
years, interested parties, for their own selfish ends, have 
endeavored to thwart Mr. Landis in his business, and to 
break down the established policy of the colony. These 
endeavors were the more injurious, from the fact, that the 
Vineland enterprise was and is a purely private one. Mr. 
Landis has never asked for or obtained any special legislative 
protection, any chartered privileges, ov any monopoly of any 
kind. In the absence of any law of the State, to protect the 
infant colony from the intrusion of evil-minded persons, who 



19 

might do incalculable injury, either by establishing opposition 
land-offices, by forming secret cabals, or by fomenting disaf- 
fection in the minds of the colonists; the only means by which 
such protection could be secured, was hy bringing the force of 
an overwhelming public opinion io bear upon all such schemes, 
and frowning ihem down. 

Such an occasion arose about one year ago, when an open 
and flagrant attempt was made to establish a rival land-ofiice 
in Vineland, for the ])urpose of sending the visitors away, 
who came by the efibrts of Mr. Landis, and induce them to 
purchase in other sections and States, and in other ways to 
cripple Mr. Landis in his efforts to develop the resources of 
the colony. A mass meeting of the citizens was called, 
speeches were made, resolutions were adopted, and the Eeport 
of the Committee previously appointed, embodying the main 
feature of the " Vineland Policy," after a full and free discus- 
sion, was adopted by acclamation, the vote being almost 
unanimous. There were supposed to be about two thousand 
male citizens present, and we have rarely witnessed a more 
enthusiastic gathering of the people. The result was, that 
the ol)noxious land-office, was closed a few days afterwards, 
without any disturbance or violation of the law. 

G. The efforts, almost constant, of various enemies of the 
colony, to turn away strangers while on the way to Vineland, 
has been one of the most serious obstacles. These persons 
have been, generally, agents and runners for various land 
offices in Philadelphia and elsewhere, who might infest the 
hotels and ticket offices in Philadelphia and Camden where 
strangers about to visit Vineland stop and procure tickets. 
A single sample of this dishonest game will suffice : — 

A stranger is seen buying a ticket for Vineland. One of 
these runners, while the man is waiting for the cars to start, 
approaches him, and, with a confidential air, inquires, "Going 
to Vineland ?" On receiving an affirmative answer, cjuietly, 
but with a look of ineffable scorn, he adds, " Why are you 
going to that God-forsaken sand-heap ? Why don't you know 



20 

tliat the soil there is not fit even to be bnrii-d in? Plave yon 
ever been there'?" "No, sir." " A^d], I have, and I ean 
assnre yon that they cannot even raise Avliite beans there. 
For eight months in the year the mosquitoes are thick enough 
to eat yon up, and every other man is shaking with the agne. 
Besides the title to the lands is not good^ and if you pay your 
money for them you will lose both money and land. I can 
take you where the land is far better than it is there, and 
much cheaper, and where the titles are perfectly good." 

The poor bewildered man says to himself, " AVell, now, that 
is just the way some of my neighbors talked to me before I 
left home, and I fear there is too much truth in it," and so 
chagrined to think that he has come so near being cheated, 
or, at least, humbue;o-ed, he decides to 2:0 no further, and takes 
the next train of cars for home. Day after day, for the last 
four or five years, have these inlamous wretches practised this 
game, sometimes inducing the unsuspecting stranger to buy 
of them, but oftener turning him back disgusted ; and yet, 
through it all, and in spite of it all, A^ineland has steadily 
grown and continues to utow. 

- . *— ' 

7. Opposition to the restriction on cattle has been another 
serious obstacle. This opposition came from those Jerseymen 
Avho had always been in the habit of allowing their cattle to 
pasture in the woods and on the road-sides, and who could, 
with difiiculty be convinced that the good of the public, and 
their own highest good, required the adoption of the new 
regulation. In fact the new regulation was at first openly 
defied, and the question whether it would be carried out, was 
for a time of uncertain solution. Firmness, however, on the 
part of Mr. Landis and his colonists was finally crowned with 
success, and the colony was saved from great and unnecessary 
expense. Since that time the same regulation has been 
adopted in other districts of country, and all parties have 
come to regard it as a wise arrangement. It is steadily 
growino; in tVu'or. 



21 

8. Opposition to the Liquor La^v was another obstacle. 
Sometime after the commencement of the colony, and before 
restricting the sale of intoxicating drinks was passed, certain 
persons commenced the traffic in a cjulet way, hoping, no 
doubt, to create a public opinion in its favor. — July 10th, 
1863, an association was formed by Mr. Landis to discourage 
and frown down this undertaking. Strong ground was taken ; 
l)oth by the Proprietor and the leading colonists. A short 
time after a paper was circulated to test the views of the' 
population with the following result: — For the traffic, 1; 
indiffi?rent, 4; against the traffic. 227 ; for the traffic under 
certain restrictions, 1. Since then there has been no effort 
to establish the liquor traffic, according to law, though it has 

1 )een necessarv on several occasions to threaten the lawless 
with prosecution. On one occasion, Mr. Landis, on behalf of 
the Town Committee, offered a reward of fifty dollars for in- 
formation that would lead to the conviction of certain persons 
who Avere supposed to be selling liquor clandestinely. This 
had the desired effi?ct, and the sobriety of our colony is to-day 
almost without a parallel. 

9. The fact that this colony was founded at a time when 
the people of the LTnited States were engaged in the most 
gigantic war of modern times, may well be mentioned as a 
serious obstacle to its successful establishment. Mr. Landis 
made his first purchase about the time of the sad disaster at 
Bull Run, and began his operations at a time when the people 
were still in deep gloom over that defeat. For more than 
three years the war continued to rage, and still the course of 
Vineland was onward and upward. When the nation called 
for help, our people were not slow to respond. Our colonists 
have actually paid over fifty thousand dollars of direct tax 
for the expenses of the war, and it is with sentiments of pride 
that we state the fact that our people are, almost to a man, 
thoroughly loyal to our government and hostile to human 
slavein/. 



00 

in. — Results attained. 

Mr. Landis has purchased, at various times, lands to tlie 
amount of about twenty-eight thousand acres, or about forty- 
five square miles. These lands which were for the most part 
unimproved are located in one body in Cumberland, Glouces- 
ter, and Atlantic Counties in Southern New Jersey, in a 
direction nearly south from Philadelphia. The first purchase 
of about sixteen thousand acres, was made in 1861, the last 
in 1865. 

Up to the present time about seventeen hundred families, 
numbering about eight thousand souls, have permanently 
located themselves on these lands, besides a floating popula- 
tion of about one thousand. 

The various improvements effected by these people, in con- 
junction with the proprietor arp enumerated in their order 
ibllowina'. 



FARMS, ORCHARDS, VINEYARDS AND GARDENS. 

About one thousand seven hundred and sixty farms, 
orchards, vineyards, and gardens have l^een made in Vin(-- 
land. The object of Mr, Landis was, to introduce frnit- 
eulture, as a speciality, and also the highest system of farming 
and gardening. A good system of agriculture was required 
in this part of the State. The peculiar improvements which 
Mr. Landis has been instrumental in bringing about, in 
this most useful l)ranch of industry will be found set forth 
in his lecture on agriculture, delivered in Vineland, in 1865. 
His directions have been followed with the most successful 
results. 

It is believed that more Iruit is now planted in Vineland 
than in any other district in America, covering the same 
area of land. These fruits are not poor and common varie- 
ties, but care has been taken to introduce the best varieties 
that could be procured. These varieties consist mainly of 
the following : 



23 

Pears, (cliietly dwarf). — Barilett, Bicchesse d'Angouleme, 
Louise Bonne de Jersey, Seckel, Lawrence, Sheldon, Flemish 
Beauty, Vicar of Wakefield, Buffam, and some otlierri. 

Apples, (both dwarf and standard.) — Wagner, Northern 
Spy, R. Lsland Greening, and other varieties most esteemed 
in this country. 

Peaches. — Hales Early, TrotKs Early, Crawford s Early, 
Craivford's Late, and some others. 

Grapes.- — Catawba, Concord, Delaware, Hartford Prolific, 
Clinton, Diana, and some others. 

Strawberries. — Wilson s Seedling , FrencK s Seedling , Agri- 
culturist, and a few others. 

Blackberries. — New Rochelle, or Lawton, Dorchester, 
Wilson, and Kiltatinny 

PbASPBERRiES. — DooUttles Black Cap, and L*hiladelp)]iia. 

Gooseberries. — Houghton s American Seedling. 

Quinces. — Orange and others. 

Currants. — Red Dutch, Versailles, Cherry, White Grape, 
and a few others. 

In riding through Vineland, the scene is of the most beau- 
tiful description, for many miles. Straight rows and clean 
culture are every where seen; and the cultivation and natural 
adaptation of the soil to fruit is such, that the trees, in their 
■season, are loaded with delicious fruit, and the vineyards avr 
})urple with their burden of grapes. This has been brought 
about so suddenly as to appear almost the result of enchant- 
ment. Five years, in this colony, leave brought aboid results, 
which, almost any ivhere else, woidd have absorbed the energies 
of an entire generation. This fact is mainly due to the sleej)- 
less energy and singleness of purpose, with whicli the enter- 
prise is conducted by Mr. Landis, and also to the facilities 
aftbrded by him to those skilled fruit-growers whom he has 
succeeded in attracting to Vineland. 

Amongst other iacilities, we will mention, that a special 
agent is employed, at the individual expense of Mr. Laudis, 
to take charge of these fruits, when sent to market, to con- 



24 

vert tliem into money, and to return the proceeds immedi- 
ately to tlie producer. This saves the fruit-grower a great 
deal of time and care, and is one of the most encourao-ini:; 
incentives that can be given him. The salary, travellin;/ 
expenses, and hotel-bills of this agent, are all paid by Mr. 
Landis ; for which no charge is made directly or indirectly. 
This is done, because many of the colonists, being unac- 
quainted in the market, would be unable to realize the full 
value of their products, should they attempt to market them, 
and would, beside the loss of valuable time, be liable to suffer 
from the dishonesty of dealers. 

The houses, on these farms and gardens, are of the best 
description for such places. They are generally adorned with 
lattice work and creeping vines, and surrounded with flower- 
beds, and lawns. 

Many miles of hedges have been planted, more for ornament 
tlian use, as cattle are not allowed to run at large. They 
form, however, a beautiful feature in the place. They con- 
sist of Osage Orange, Honey Locust, Arbor Vita:, and Nonoay 
Spruce. 

EOADS AND STREETS. 

Besides the railroad and three other roads that were in 
existence in 1861, Mr. Landis has caused to be opened at his 
own expense forty-nine different streets and roads, measuring 
in the aggregate one hundred and thirty miles. On many of 
these roads, which traversed swamp lands, it was necessary 
to build up the road bed, in the soft mud at a very consid- 
erable extra expense. These roads were made through a 
dense wilderness of trees and undergrowth, through swamps 
as well as woodlands, and manv of them were causewavs built 
ujton earth that had to be made solid, for a depth of many 
feet. Numerous bridges were also built to cross the different 
streams. 

The following; are the names and extent of the different 
roads, as will be found upon the map sent herewith : 



25 

Landis avenue, 3,000 rods ; Elmer road, 595 rods ; Sher- 
man avenue, 871 rods ; Magnolia road, 280 rods ; Almond 
road, 315 rods; AValnut road, 1,276 rods; Myrtle street, 
158 rods ; Sheridan avenue, 1G8 rods ; Orchard road, 850 
rods ; Fourth street, 280 rods ; Elmer street, 320 rods ; 
Quince steeet, 320 rods ; Plum street, 320 rods ; Peach 
street, 320 rods ; Park avenue, 775 rods ; Second street, 280 
rods ; Pear street, 320 rods ; Cherry street, 320 rods ; 
Almond street, 320 rods; Sixth street, 280 rods; Butler 
avenue, 600 rods ; AVood street, 820 rods ; Grape street, 
320 rods; Eighth street, 280 rods ; Valley avenue, 224 rods ; 
Seventh street, 280 rods; Mill road, 1,530 rods; Forest 
Grove road, 612 rods ; E. E. R. Boulevard 2,240 rods ; AVest 
avenue, 1,280 rods; East avenue, 1,400 rods; Spring road, 
680 rods ; W. E. E. Boulevard, 2,960 rods ; Montrose street, 
320 rods ; Third street, 280 rods ; Garrison road, 240 rods ; 
Elm road, 312 rods : Grant avenue, 505 rods ; Oak road, 
2,517 rods; Wheat road, 2,150 rods; Chestnut avenue, 
3,000 rods; Vine road, 1,350 rods; Brewster road, 862 
rods; Post road, 1,672 rods; Grove road, 1,098 rods; Gar- 
den road, 986 rods; Central road, 900 rods; Summer road, 
620 rods ; I'nion road, 720 rods. 

IMPEOVEMEXT IN MATEEIAL PEOPEETY. 

AVe regret that the limited timeatiurded us fur making up 
this statement does not permit us to give anything like full 
statistics on this point, as well as on some others. AVe 
believe, however, that as many as one thousand }»oor i)eople 
and their families have been raised from a condition of com- 
parative }ioverty to one of independence ; that is to say, from 
being in a condition in which they were compelled to work 
for others, in order to obtain a livelihood, by special facili- 
ties afibrded them in purchasing land, making improvements, 
and turning their labor to profitable account, they have 
become possessors of lands, the cultivation of which makes 
them independent. The value of the diifercnt places in the 
4 



2G 

hands of these citizens, will range from one thousand to five 
thousand dollars. 

It will he found, by reference to the publications of Mr. 
Landis, in reference to this colony, the contents of the farms 
offered being mostly 5, 10, and 20 acres, the purchase money 
payable, a small proportion in cash, and the balance by small 
instalments, covering a period of four years, does afford, as 
was intended, peculiar facilities for industrious people to pur- 
chase land. The subsequent policy of Mr. Landis being so 
shaped as to promote their prosperity, enables them to suc- 
ceed and maintain themselves in their undertakings. The 
result is, that this class of people meet with complete and 
rapid success. 

We also take this occasion to state, that notwithstanding 
Mr. Landis has dealt with so many thousands of difierent 
people from all countries, and of all kinds, he was never 
known to sue a colonist for any of his instalments, or to fore- 
close a mortgage. On the contrary, he has afforded this 
peculiar class of persons every possible facility, frequently 
furnishing them with lumber and other assistance, to enable 
them to start. "We would also state, that the men who worked 
for him upon his roads and general improvements, he has 
encouraged to buy land ; and, in order to enable them to do 
so, and get a start, he required no cash payment at all, and 
frequently gave them material aid besides. Almost all these 
men are now independent, and worth from one to two thou- 
sand dollars each. 

"We here take occasion to say, that these observations are 
not made of those wealthy people who have come in, within 
the past two years, and purchased places of many of the first 
colonists ; in some cases paying/o?ir hundred dollars per acre, 
for land sold them by Mr. Landis for ticenty dollars per acre. 
This great increase of price is owing to the increase of value 
in the property, by reason of the vast increase of population 
and improvements. It may be w^ell to remark here, that the 
improvement stipulations of Mr. Landis extend only to the 



27 



erection of a liaLitation, cultivating two and one-half acres 
of land on eacli place, planting shade-trees on the road-sides, 
and seeding the road-sides to grass. After complying with 
these stipulations, the colonist is at liberty to sell his pro- 
perty for any price that it will brin^ 



ig- 



AGPJCULTUEAL IMPEOVEMENTS. 

In America, the waste of land by inferior cultivation is so 
great as to amount to a national loss. The location of Vine- 
land near the large markets of Philadelphia and New York, 
afforded an opportunity to introduce the best system of farm- 
ing, with the greatest profit. To the accomplishment of this 
object Mr. Landis bent all his energies. He wrote specific 
directions on the subject, which he published for the use of 
the colonists ; he organized Agricultural Societies ; he offered 
large premiums, and tins aroused the interest and confidence 
of the people in this great work. He has been most success- 
ful in bringing about an improved system of Agriculture, as 
well as of Horticulture, in Vineland ; and it is believed that 
the examj)le thus set will be eminently useful to all the sur- 
rounding country. We mention a few of these leading im- 
provements, and refer, for further information, to certain 
publications of Mr. Landis annexed to this report. 

1st. Deep ploughing, and thorough harrowing. 

2d. The raising of Boot CTop)s for stock, as more profitable 
than grass. 

3d. Soiling stock, as more profitable and economical than 
pasturing. 

4th. The use of Liquid manure. 

5 th. Underdraining . 

BEE CULTURE. 

Mr. Landis has also used his best exertions for the intro- 
duction of the Bee Culture, and has succeeded to a limited 



28 

extent. Now that pasture for bees is getting plenty Avitli 
the improvements of the country, the settlers are giving it 
attention. The results as yet, whilst successful so far as 
produced, are not deserving of anything more than mention. 
But the prospects are, that in a year or two the bee culture 
will be extensive in Vineland. 

DEAIKINn AND ITS RESULTS. 

A portion of the Vineland lands, along the courses of the 
streams, are Suamp lands. Owing to the geological forma- 
tion of the Peninsula, however, these swamps are not only 
IVee from malaria, and therefore unobjectionable on the score 
of health, but they are very considerable resources of wealth. 
Indeed, there is not a drop of stagnant v-ater naturally exist- 
ing in this Colony. All the water, even in the ponds and 
marshes, is living ivater, wholesome as that of our best wells, 
for drinking purposes. The swamps above referred to, have 
been for ages the natural depositories for the vegetable sub- 
stance called muck or humus, which, when properly treated, 
])iTrves to 1)6 a xRlimhle fertiliser. Becudes, portions of these 
swamp lands, where there is no muck, become, when drained, 
excellent grass-lands, and even superior lands for the growing 
of vegetal)les and some of the small fruits ; while the dampest 
l)ortions are all that could be desired for Cranberinj Culture. 
It is a part of Mr. Landis' plan, in conjunction with the 
colonists, to drain all of these swamps, and appropriate them 
to the most valuable uses. As, for obvious reasons, Mr. 
Landis still owns the larger portion of these lands, he is the 
owner of the larger part of the muck in the Colony. With 
a liberality which proves his devotedness to the material 
interests of the Colony, he has for two years past given free 
permission to all the colonists to dig muck on his lands, and 
has, besides, borne the principal [)art of the expense of drain- 
ing some three hundred acres of wet land in order to enable 
them to dio; the muck. There are about two thousand acres 
of sucli lands in the Colony. This system of drainage, which 



29 

is only, as it were, commenced, cnal)les tlie people to dig the 
muck without serious liinderance. 

During the winter just passed, not less that fifty thousand 
wagon-loads of muck have been removed from the lands of 
the proprietor, to the very great advantage of the colonists, 
many of whom are just commencing in business, and have 
no money with which to buy manures. 

When this system of drainage shall have been completed, 
at least ninety-five per cent, of the wet lands in this Colony 
will become arable. 



PREMIXJM S 

Offered for the Encouragement of the People in Agriculture, 
Horticulture, Education, ^-c, c^-c. 

In the year 1865, the Agricultural Society paid to its com- 
peting members in Premiums, an aggregate amount of nearly 
four hundred dollars. Of this money, Mr. Landis furnished 
three hundred and fifty dollars. 

In the year 1866, the same Society paid an aggregate 
amount in similar premiums, of two hundred and twelve 
dollars, while the Floral Society distributed in premiums, 
twenty-three dollars. 

In the same year, (1866,) Mr. Landis distributed the fol- 
lowing list of premiums : 

1st. One hundred dollars, to be divided in two suins, for the best 
eesay upon the history of tlie place : to he determined under thesuper- 
vision of the Historical Society. 

2d. One hundred dollars, to be divided in two sums, for the best 
essay in Prose, and the best in Poetry. 

One hundred dollars to the Agricultural and Horticultural Society, 
to be distributed as premiums for the best specimens in Produce. 

One hundred dollars to the Agricultural and Horticultural Society, 
to be distributed as premiums for the best specimens of Fruit. 

One hundred dollars, to be divided into two prize gold medals with 
proper inscriptions, to the two male and female scholars who shall 
each be pronounced the most jiroficient scholar, independent of any 
other consideration. 

One hundred dollars to the two male and female scholars over four- 
teen years of age, and not over eighteen years of age, wlio shall each 
he pronounced the most efficient scholar, independent of any other 
consideration. 



32 

One liiindreJ dollars to the Band of Music, for which they are to 
give six public concerts ; three in tlie open air in summer, and three 
in the open air in winter. 

One hundred dollars, in two gold medals, with proper inscriptions, 
to the two persons most graceful and proficient in gymnastics. 

Fifty dollars, in a gold medal, to the lady who cultivated the best 
liower garden with her own hands. 

Mr. Landis lias also offered the following list of premiums 
to be distributed the present year, (1867) : 

Twenty dollars and certificate, for the best acre of broom corn. 

Twenty dollars and certificate, for the best acre of field carrots. 

Twenty dollars and certificate, for the best acre of field turnips. 

Twenty dollars for the best kept farm. 

Twenty dollars for the best kept orchard not less than two 
acres. 

Fifty dollars to the lady who cultivates the best flower garden with 
her own hands. 

One hundred dollars, to be divided between the two male and female 
scholars not over eighteen years of age, whoshalleach be pronounced 
the most proficient scholars. 

One hundred dollars, to be divided between the three persons who 
are the best players on the Violin, Cornet or Bugle, and Flute ; to be 
played at the Fair and decided by committee. 

Fifty dollars to the lady most proficient in gymnastics. 

P'ifty dollars to the gentleman most proficient in heavy gymnaf^fiiv^. 

The regular time for distributing all these prizes is at the 

Annual Fair of the Agricultural Society. 

ANNUAL FAIRS. 

There have been t\vo Annual Fairs held in Vineland, iho 
tirst in the fall of 18G5 — the other in the fall of 1866. 

At these Fairs, large quantities of fruits and vegetables 
were exhibited, which excited the ujibounded admiration of 
both citizens and strangers. Pears were exhibited of the 
variety Duchesse d'Angouleme, weighing twenty-one ounces. 
One exhibitor showed twelve pears of the same variety, 
weighing, in the aggregate, over thirteen pounds. These 



33 

grew on trees that were sot in the spring of the same year. 
One of our citizens had a dwarf pear tree of the variety 
Louise Bonne de Jersey, whicli matured one hundred and 
twenty-five pears. 

We subjoin a copy of a. photograph of this tree. It Avas 
set in its present position in the spring of 1868. We add in 
this connection, the fact, that at the Fair of the Farmer's 
Club of the American Institute, held in New York last fall, 
(1866,) no less than five first premiums were awarded to the 
Vineland exhibitors, namely, on corn, grapes, pears, (two 
prizes,) and for the best collection of apples, pears and 
quinces. Of this show, a disinterested reporter of the New 
York press remarked : " There are three rooms filled with 
fruits; a finer show of pears Avas never made; the Vinelar.d 
pears excel." 

FENCING. 

Bv another oi'iuinal ieature introduced bv Mr. Landi.-, it 
is not required that any owner of property shall make any 
fence, either on the road-side or on either of his boundary 
lines. Should domestic animals of any kind be found run- 
ning at large, they are summarily dealt with according to 
law. The consequence is that our streets are entirely free 
from the presence of these animals, and the colonists sustain 
no damage from their inroads, while great expense in con- 
struction and repairs of fences is saved to the people. 

SHADE TREES. 

By another original feature introduced by Mr. Landis, it 
is required that the owners of property, under a heavy pen- 
alty, shall plant shade trees along the entire front of their 
land at distances deteimincd by the Township Committee. 
A large proportion of the shade trees planted thus for, arc 
apple and pear trees. On the avenues one hundred feet 
wide, two rows of shade trees are required. Those who build 
houses are required to set them in the village, at least twenty 
5 



34 

feet; and out of the village at least seventy-five feet from the 
roadside. 

The object of this is to allow space in front for the cultiva- 
tion of flowers and shrubbery. Already the effect is seen in 
an abundance of flowers rarely seen in a rural community. 
Not less than one hundred miles of shade trees have been 
planted along the roadsides. This is a peculiar feature, at 
least in the United States, introduced by Mr. Landis in the 
improvement of the landscape. 

In America, the first propensity of a new settler is to de- 
nude the country of trees. Mr. Landis has used active and 
successful exertions to prevent this unfortunate propensity in 
Vineland. He has encouraged the settlers to leave groves 
of native trees remain as well as in planting. The eff'ect of 
this shade tree system is the most beautiful and useful feature 
in Vineland. The trees shade the roads, protect the country 
from winds, and are believed to attract moisture. They are 
also friends to humanity, as their shade from the sultry heat 
of summer will testify. Mr. Landis has also encouraged the 
planting of hardy varieties of fruit trees for shade; en- 
couraging the settlers by representing, that whilst they are 
doing an act jDrofitable to their little estates, that they are 
also practising benevolence to all mankind and laying up 
blessings for posterity. 



SEEDING THE EOADSIDES TO GEASS. 

This feature upon so large a scale, is believed to be original 
with Mr. Landis. At least one hundred miles of roadsides 
have been seeded. In this important stipulation, the useful 
is attained as well as the ornamental. A large amount of 
land wdiich would otherwise lay waste, is economised ; weeds 
are usually propagated by being allowed to grow upon the 
roadsides from which they spread to the adjacent fields. Bv 
this arrangement this evil is effectually prevented. 



35 

INCREASE OF AVAGES. 

AVhen this colony was started, (Nov. 1861,) the ruling 
price of wages for clay laborers in this neighborhood, was 
fifty cents per day, cash, or seventy-five cents per day in 
orders upon stores ; the laborer (as is the usual custom in this 
country,) finding himself. Mr. Landis at once put the wages 
up to one dollar per day in cash. 

The opening of roads, building of bridges, and other pre- 
liminary improvements, gave employment to a great many 
poor men at these remunerative prices. A large proportion 
of these very men, then poor and destitute, are now the 
owners of comfortable homes in Vincland. 

The wages for daily labor are now from $1 75 to $2 per 
day. This extra high price since 1861, is in part to be 
accounted for by the war. 

MANUFACTOEIES. 

In the development of the elements of success in his colony, 
Mr. Landis recognized the important principle that home 
manufacture should be started and encouraged, in order to 
economise the wealth, the labor, and the skill of the colonists. 

For this purpose he encouraged the erection of steam mills 
for the manufacturino; of rou2;h lumber into building mate- 
rial, — doors, sashes, blinds, lath, shingles and flooring ; also 
turning; establishments for ornamental work. 

In order to attain tliese results speedily and effectually, 
Mr. Landis, in the winter of 1861 and 1865, erected large 
buildings with steam power. This was done to accommodate 
industrious and useful but poor mechanics, who might not 
have the means to erect large works and buy engines, but 
who had tools with which to carry on their business by renting 
rooms and power. These buildings were erected at a cost of 
$27,000. They are now occupied l^y a machinist, a grist and 
flouring mill, a wood turning establishment and fruit canning 
company, for the canning of small fruits and the manufacture 



3r. 

of tin cans. A manufactory for making clothing lias been 
introduced, and the machinery is in the Lnilding, but it 
has not yet started. It is expected that this season various 
other mechanical branches of manul^icturing will be intro- 
duced into these buildings. 

For these purposes five other steam mills have been also 
erected by private individuals. Mr. Landis, in co-operation 
with other citizens, organized a fruit canning establishment, 
callrd 

Tlie Vindand Canning and Fimt-Preserimnj Company. 

Organized April -J, 18GG ; recently incorporated l»y special 
act of the Legislature. Objects. — To preserve all kinds of 
fruits and vegetables that can be canned successfully, espe- 
cially to use up those prodttctiojis, which at certain seasons 
of the year cannot be profitably disposed of in the cities, and 
to afford employment, at good wages, to women and (diildren 
who may need such employment. 

The capital stock of tliis company at present amounts to 
$9,675, — number of stockholders, 147 ; between two-fifths 
and three-fifths of whom are comparatively poor. The number 
of cans of fruit put up last year, in gallons, 1,400; others, 
smaller, G0,000, with the exception of peaches, nearly all of 
this iVuit was grown in Vineland. 

Also, a manufactory of palm leaf into shaker hood bonnets, 
(tailed 

The Vineland. Palm Leaf and Shaker Hood Manufaehning 

Coiwpany. 

Recently incorporated by s})ecial act of the Legislature. 

This company gives employment directly and indirectly, 
to about 300 people. The palm leaf is cut into strips and 
then woven into webs. This latter part of the work is done 
in the houses of the citizens, by girls, boys, and housewives, 
in their spare moments. 



Tlie capital stock of this company is now |6,537 45. 
Number of stockholders, 200 ; at least two-thirds of whom 
arc comparatively poor, (very many of the stockholders work 
for the company). Women and children employed in weaving 
and other work, 310, who can, on an average, earn from 50 
cents to $1 00 per day. Number of hands employed in 
shop, — males, 12 ; females, 8. Average wages of males, 
$1 64 per day ; of females, $1 05 per day. Value of goods 
manufactured the past year, about $10,000. 

Four Brick Yards are carried on in the summer time, for 
the manufacture of our clay into bricks. 

A manujacio'inj for the making of stone-ware pottery out 
of our clay. This is now successfully can'ied on, and promises 
to become very extensive. 

The small establishments of shoemakers, weavers, tailors 
and others being strictly private and individual, are not 
mentioned. 

SOCIETIES OF A'ARIOUS KINDS. 

1. — The Philanthropic Loan Association. 

This is an association of a benevolent character, organized 
October 11th, 1865, with a membership of about two hun- 
dred. It was originated bv Mr. Landis, and is one of the 
peculiar institutions of our colony. So far as we know, there 
is nothing similar to it elsewhere. It is patronized by all the 
more wealthy of our citizens. Its object is to loan money to 
the necessitous, solely upon the honor of the borrow^er, with- 
out interest, to be paid back as soon as convenient. It is 
distinctly understood that the borrower is not to take advan- 
tage of this circumstance, but shall return the money as soon 
as he possibly can. The reasons for the formation of such 
an association are the following : — Some people, in the enthu- 
siasm attendant upon the making of new improvements, 
neglect to cultivate sufficient land the first season for the 
support of their families; others imprudently or injudiciously 



38 

expend tlieir labor or means. In either case, when winter 
comes, many sucli families find themselves in straightened 
circumstances. They are, however, entirely too proud to 
ask charity, and would not accept it unless forced to it by 
biting want. Some would even be unwilling to have their 
condition known to their jieighbors, nor would such be willing 
to accept a loan on the ordinary condition of repaying tlie 
money at a certain definite time; their income being too pre- 
carious for the time being to assure the ability to pay at any 
definite time. This association, therefore, loans them the 
money on the terms above-mentioned, with the strict under- 
standing that it is a loan, and not a gift, and that payment 
will be expected at some time or other, and to the honor of 
humanity we are glad to state that thus far but little, if any, 
of the money thus loaned has been lost. The benevolence of 
this association is the more clearly seen from the fact that 
since the date of its organization, and even before that time, 
money in this country has commanded a very high rate of 
interest — ten per cent, being the lowest rate at Avhich most 
persons can borrow it. 

Up to the present time, this association has assisted nearly 
fifty persons w^ith loans, running from one to twelve months, 
the whole amounting to nearly eight hundred dollars. This 
money was procured by loans and contributions from citizens, 
rich and poor, who are members of the association ; also, by 
giving balls, concerts and dramatic entertaiuments for the 
benefit of the society. 

The Vineland Historiccd and Antiquarian Society. 

Organized February 3d, 1804. Number of Members 30 — 
Objects. — To collect and preserve interesting relics and min- 
erals, also documents, especially relating to Vineland, and to 
procure lectures for the people on important and interesting 
subjects. 

The Vineland Pioneer Association. 

Organized December 12th, 1866. Members limited to 
those who were residents of Vineland, prior to January 1st, 



39 

1863. Objects. — To celebrate tlie Anniversary of the close 
of the first year in Vineland. Meets annually on the evening 
of December 31st. Present number of members 75. 

Vineland Lodge, No. 69, A. F. and A. M. 
Number of members, 70. — Meets in Vineland semi-monthly. 

Loyal League. 

Number of members, about 325. This is a secret political 
organization, the object of which is to perpetuate liberty and 
free institutions on the Americrn continent. — Meets weeklv. 

lAherty Lodge, No. 1. — Good Templars. 

A secret temperance organization ; organized July 21st, 
1866. Objects. — To promote the cause of temperance through- 
out our land ; to raise the fallen and to keep others from ever 
falling into the snares of the tempter. 

Number of members, 93 ; degree members, 25. — Meets in 
Vineland Weeklv. 

Young FeojDles Union Christian Association. 

Organized March 13th, 1866. Number of members, 80. 
Objects. — To promote the social, moral and religious improve- 
ment of all its members; and to work zealously and untiringly 
for the social welfare and salvation of all. This association 
holds weekly meetings. It likewise sustains some six Sunday 
Schools in the more remote parts of the colony. 

The People's Lyceum. 
Number of members, 137. Objects. — To hear declamations 
and original compositions and orations from members ; to 
debate questions proposed, and to secure the literary advance- 
ment of the members. — Meets weekly in Vineland. 

71ie Vineland Library Association. 

Organized January, 1867. Number of member.<, about 
150. Objects. — To establish and maintain a lilu'ary for the 
use of its members, to hold meetings for discussion, to pro- 



40 

cure }»ublic lectures, to make historical and other collections, 
and, in general, to advance the members in literature, science 
and art. Number of volumes in the library, over 500. 

Music. 

The cultivation of music was a subject among the first to 
receive the attention of Mr. Landis. In 1862 he formed a 
band of seven instruments, and since then by contributing 
money, ottering premiums, and other methods he has been 
directly or indirectly instrumental in tlic formation of the 
followino' societies. 

27i(3 Harmonic Association. 

Objects. — To promote the theory and practice of vocal an<l 
instrumental music, especially the former, and to give public 
rehearsals and concerts. 

Societies for the Promotion of Agriculture, Horticulture a7id 

Floiozrs. 

We can do little more than give a list of these societies. 

The Vineland Agricultural and Horticultural Society. 
Objects. — To promote the interests of agriculture and hor- 
ticulture, to discuss all questions pertaining to the same, and 
to hold fairs and exhibitions of agricultural and horticultural 
products, to encourage industry, by offering suitable prizes, 
and to increase the knowledge of the people by lectures, 
periodicals. &c. 

Organized June 2, 1863. Number of members at the [)resent 
time, 350. 

Meets weekly in Vineland. 

The Vineland Floral Society. 

This was a society organized by Mr. Landis, among the 
ladies of Vineland, for the purpose of encouraging the culti- 
vation of flowers and out-door physical exercise. 

The ladies of Vineland have taken an enthusiastic interest 
in the subject, and it has been attended with the happiest 



41 

results. Bulbs, roots and seeds have been gratuitously dis- 
tributed over the settlement, so thoroughly and successfully 
that the humblest cottages are surrounded with flowers and 
shrubbery. Premiums have been offered by Mr. Landis for 
the best gardens of flowers cultivated by the hands of the 
ladies, and not by gentlemen, and the result has been not only 
to produce a great number of beautiful flowers, but to make 
out-door exercise, in the cultivation of flowers, fasliion;d)lc in 
Vineland, no matter what their wealth or social position. 
Many ladies who were confirmed invalids have been entirely 
cured by this out-door exercise. 

South Vineland Fruit Groweris Club. 

Objects. — To promote the interests of Horticulture and 
Agriculture, and to discuss all questions relating to Manures, 
Crops, Markets, &c. Connected with this Club is a Lil)rary 
of 200 volumes. 

East Vineland Agricidtural and Pomolo<jical Society. 

Objects as indicated by its title. Organized Sejitembei' 
21, 1866. Number of Members. 25. Meets weekly at East 
Vineland. 

Forest Grove Horticultural and Agricultural Society. 

Number of Members, 35. 

Object as indicated by its title. Meets in North Vineland 
weekly. 

Hamilton Mutual Benefit Society. 

Organized November 22, 1866. Number of Members, 25. 
Object similar to those above described. 

The Philathletic Club. 

Number of Members. 20. Object. To promote a knowledge 
of the laws of health, and to train the members in athletic 
exercises. 
6 



42 

The Vineland Loan and I'lnprovemeni Assoeiaiion. 

Receutly iucorporated by Special Act of the Legislature. 
Number of Members., 50. Object^:?. To afford facilities of 
investment of small sums to the laboring classes and small 
capitalists, and to loan money to its members, on easy terms 
of monthly payments. Meets in Vineland, on the first Tues- 
day in each month. 

Siloa/u Cemetery Association. 

An incorporated Society. The Cemetery grounds com- 
prise nearly 15 acres, 10 of which were donated by Mr. 
Landis and are partially improved. 

We enclose a copy of the Plan of ihe Cemetery, adopted 
by the Trustees. Already, over $1,500 have been expended 
in beautifvim*' the urounds. 

CIIUECII OKGANIZATIONS. 
The Protestant Episcopal Church [Trinity.) 

Organized August 19, 18G3. Kumber of Ci)mmunicant?. 
73. Average attendance, 200. 

Sunday School Teachers, 7. Seholart^, 6(». 

First Preshytcfian Church. 

Organized June 4, 1863. Is umber of Members, 270. 
Average attendance, about 350. 

Sunday School Teachers, 33. Scholars, 200. 

First Methodist Episcopal Chtirch. 

Organized April 12, 1863. N"uml)er of Members, 200. 
Average attendance, 400. 

Sunday School Teachers. 22. Sdiolats, ].".<'. 

First Baptist Church. 

Organized Juno 13, liSGo. Nuinltor of Memtu'r.*. ICtQ. 
Avorao-e attendance, about 20(1. 



40 

Sunday School Teachers, 17. Scholars, IGU. 
N'umher of \T)1ninr's in Lihrarv, 300. 

Unitarian Church. 

Organize<i April 5, 186(3. Nuinhtu' of Memhers, 25<); 
representing about 250 families. 

There is a Sunday School connectt'd with this Churcli. 

Free Will Bxpti^t Cliureh of South Vinela/id. 
Oro'anized recentlv. Nunibov of Members. 18. 

''.Friends of Pro; /r ess." 

Organized July 3d, 1864. Number of Members, ITo. 
Average attendance, 175. Sunday School (Children's Ly- 
ceum) about 75. Weekly Sociable — average attendanc<^ 
about 300. 

Besides the foregoing, tiie Methodist Church has a branch 
that holds meetings at their Church, at South Vineland. 
Meetings are also held in several School-houses on Sundays. 
In almost every neighborhood there are meetings for prayer 
and conference, held in private houses, on stated evening?* 
during the week. 

The Caholic Church 

Has been offered a donation of k^ts bv Mr. Laiidis. fait thev 
have not yet effected an organization. This is expected to 
take place in tlu^ spring of this year. 

rO:^T-OFFlCES. 

Since the formation of the Culouy tliero have been three 
post-offices established u|)on this trai.'t of land — one at Vine- 
land, one at North Vineland, and one at South \'ineland, with 
a daily mail to and from, of about 600 letters. 

The Vineland Post-office is one of the few post-offices in 
Southern New Jersey through which the General Govern- 
ment transmits funds by the system of ''Money Orders.'' 

The revenue of this office, for the vear 1866. amounted to 
$5,991 ^\%. 



44 
NEWSPAPERS. 

There are now three newspapers published in Vineland. 

" The Vineland Ptural," has been published ever since the 
first year of the Colony. It is filled with Agricultural matter, 
descriptions of Vineland, reports of its progress, evidences as 
to the fertility of its soil, its capabilities, &c. It is dis- 
tributed in large numbers gratuitoush/, and is mainly in- 
tended as an advertising medium. 

" The Vineland Weekly," which is a first-class weekly 
family new^spaper, was first issued Sept. 9, 18G5. It has a 
circulation of about fifteen hundred, and has been enlarged 
since its commencement. It publishes Pv.eports of the Agri- 
cultural and other Societies, all the various Local Items, 
selections of reading matter, Foreign and Domestic News, 
and, besides, regular weekly correspondence from Washing- 
ton and Trenton. 

'' The Vineland Independent," the other weekly paper, has 
but just started. We can, therefore, give no further infor- 
mation in regard to it. 

A Job Printing Office is connected with each of these 
weekly papers. 

PUBLIC BUILDINGS. 

The Preshi/terian Clmrcli. — Frame building, with slate 
roof; weight of bell, 2,000 lbs.; entire cost, about $8,000. 
The edifice is already too small to accommodate the congre- 
gation, and steps are being taken for its enlargement. 

The Protestant TJpiscojMl Church. — Frame building, with 
steeple, and bell weighing 800 lbs. 

Flum Street Hall. — This building is the meeting-place of 
the "Friends of Progress." It is one story high, cost about 
$4,000. 

The Methodist Ejnscopal CJturch. — Stone and brick, two 
stories, slate roof, unfinished, but now in process of erection. 
Estimated cost, about $14,000. This will bo a beautiful 
striK'tui'c when completed. 



45 

The Congregational Church, ai North Vineland. — A frame 
building, with steeple. 

The Methodist Episcopal Cliurch, in South Vineland. — 
Frame building, one story. 

Besides the above described Churches, the Baptist Society 
have made arrangements for erecting, the coming summer, a 
cliurch building, at an estimated cost of at least seven thou- 
sand dollars ; the larger portion of the funds, for this pur- 
pose, have already been subscribed and the lots purchased. 

The Unitarian Society have also commenced a church 
building, of stone and brick, two stories high, 45 by 80 feet, 
which will be erected during the cominei; summer. 

The Free- Will Baptists, of South Vineland, are also aliout 
building a church there. 

SCHOOL-HOUSES. 

Young Ladies and Gentlemens Academy. — This is a 
building erected by Mr. Landis. Object. To instruct pupils 
in the higher elements of an English, French and Latin edu- 
cation. Three Teachers are employed. Several scholars in 
this Academy have won different prizes offered by Mr. 
Landis for proficiency in scholarship. 

Besides this Academy, since the commencement of this 
Colony, there have been erected within its bounds thirteen 
School- Houses, (two of which are of brick,) at an aggregate 
cost of fifteen thousand dollars. 



We append a list of some of the more important buildings, 
more or less public in their character. 

Factory Buildings, with Steam Poioer. — Erected by Mr. 
Landis, in order to enable manufacturers to rent Room and 
Power, occupied for various manufacturing purposes. 

Flouring- Mill, Wood- Turning , cj-c. — One of the buildings 
is designed for a Foundry. Cost of ^he whole, about $27,000. 



46 

Mechanics Hall, of brick, three .-stories high, with a base- 
7nent, occupie<,l for Stores, Offices and a Public Hall. Cost 
about f 9,000. 

Paine c5- Mahhett-s Pa^li. Dour and Blind Factory, with 
Steam Power. 

Tomkins 4- Gai/\s Planing-Mill, with Steam Power, - 

Bailroad Depot. — Stone building, with Hall on second 
floor. 

Teviperance Hall. — Frame, two storieB, witli basement. 
Hall on second floor. 

Masonic Hall. — Frame, two stories. Hall on .second flou)". 

Magnolia Hotel. — Frame, three stories high. Cost about 
ten thousand dollars. 

Besides those enumerated, there are numerous Store 
Buildings, and Mechanics' Shops, costing from one thousand 
to five thousand dollars each. 



SIGNERS TO THE FOREGOING STATEMENT. 



Siffned, 

F. 0. B. CHUBBUCK, 

Rector of Trinity Church, (Protestant Episcopal) 

Vineland, N. J. 

" KOBEET J. ANDREWS, 

Pastor of First Methodist Episcopal Church, 

Vineland, N, J. 

" J. 0. WELLS, 

Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, 

Vineland, N. J. 

" J. C. PARSONS, 

President Historical Society, 

Vineland, N. J. 

" M. C. CROCKER, 

President of Library Association, 

Vineland, N. J. 

" PHILIP SNYDER, 

President Vineland Agricultural and 

Horticultural Society. 

" C. B. CAMPBELL, 

President of Friends of Progress, 

Vineland, N. J. 



u 



CHAS. K. LANDIS, Chairman, 

GEO. W. COTTRELL, I Township Committee 

GEORGE PEARSON, } of Landis Township, 

JOHN C. WHEELER, f New Jersey. 

HAZEN Z. ELLIS, 



48 



Signed, 

" WILLIAM 0. H. GWYNNETH, 



le 



JOHN KANDLE, 



JAMES H. NIXON, 



Town Clerk, Landis Township. 



Chosen County Freeholder. 



Member of the Legislature of New Jersey, from the 
Twenty-second District of Cumberland County, 
embracing Vineland. 

" KEV. MAETIN GESSNEE, 

Pastor of the Catholic Church in Millville, the 

nearest to Vineland. 

" THEO. G. COMPTON, 

County Clerk of the County of Cumberland. 

Witness my hand and seal of the County, this 
eleventh day of March, one thousand eight 
hundred and sixty-seven, (1867.) 



" JOSEPH W. MORTON, 

President of Siloam Cemetery Association. 

" PBOVIDENCE LUDLAM, 

Senator from Cumberland County, 

New Jersey. 




49 









'i<^' 



WM.^ KS^a 



To the International Jury of the Paris Exhibition : 

This is to Certify, That Charles K. Landis is the Founder 
of the Colony of Vineland, in New Jersey ; that he is a gentle- 
man of character, culture and ability, and that his statements 
may be relied on for truth and correctness. 

This is further to Certify, That the names appended to the 
foregoing statements are genuine, and that the persons are 
what they represent themselves to be. 

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and 
caused the great seal of the State to be affixed at Trenton. 

Witness, Marcus L. Ward, Governor 
of the State of New Jersey, this 
thirteenth day of March, A. D. 
eighteen hundred and sixty-seven, 
and of the Independence of the 
United States the. ninety-first. 

By the Governor, 
(Signed,) MARCUS L. WARD. 




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